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NC break-in suspect found in ditch with toddler: deputies

Authorities say a Lincoln County man accused of breaking into a neighbor's home was found passed out in a ditch with his 20-month-old child beside him.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said 46-year-old Clarence Ray Barnette is facing multiple charges, including breaking and entering and child abuse. He was scheduled for a Monday court appearance.

The sheriff's office said deputies searched for the man after responding around 9:30 a.m. last Friday to a breaking-and-entering call at the home of Barnette's neighbor. A man was seen leaving the house.

Officials said deputies found Barnette lying about 50 yards off Maiden Highway, passed out in a roadside ditch with the toddler. The temperature was about 40 degrees at the time.

The Department of Social Services has taken custody of the child.

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